Worcester, MA- The Worcester State Men's Soccer team begins their 2024 season under first year head coach Adam Howarth by kicking off the battle of Worcester fun as they journey to WPI in a non-conference pride battle. The Lancers look to start the season with a decisive showing in the cross town battle with the Engineers. The past few meetings between the teams have seen a tight rivalry and battle brew, with barely a goal separating the teams, a trend that was looking to go in WOrcester favor today.

Final:

Worcester State: 1

WPI: 2

How it Happened:

It would take until midway through the second half before WPI, who had outshot Worcester in the first half 8-2, to grab their opening goal of the season after an early Penalty kick attempt by the Lancer's was denied. The Lancers defense stayed strong as they first year PJ Schmidt (Westwood, NJ) and his team would knock away attempt after attempt from the Engineers. With under 10 minutes to go WPI would grab their second of the game, when they sent the ball sailing into the top right corner just out of reach of Schmidt. The offensive pressure would not dampen the desire of the Lancer attack though, as they quickly worked their way through the midfield and into scoring position. Sophomore Mohammed-kadar Yussuf (Worcester, MA) would provide the answering goal for the Lancers, tucking the shot in the bottom left corner to cut into the lead off Worcester's second penalty kick off the game. Worcester would push for the tying goal as the clock ticked away but were unable to find a gap in the double downed WPI wall falling 2-1 in a high intensity match. 

Schmidt would end the game with nine saves in the complete game action as the Lancer defense worked as a unified unit to shut down the 24 shot attempts from WPI and ratting their offensive core in the process. 

What's Next:

The Blue and Gold (0-1,0-0) are next in action on Wednesday when they journey down to Rhode Island to take on Johnson and Wales at 4pm.